Known from fewer than ten occurrences. Threatened by grazing, development, and vehicles. Protected in part at Loch Lomond Vernal Pool ER (DFG) and Bogg's Lake Preserve (TNC). State-listed as N. plieantha. Intergrades rarely with ssp. pauciflora. See Madroño 8(6):199 (1946) for original description, and Novon 3(4):331-340 (1993) for revised nomenclature.